Echo vs. EGDT in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock (ECHO RCT)
Severe Sepsis, Septic Shock
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Severe Sepsis focused on measuring Echocardiography, EGDT, Sepsis
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- At least 18 years of age
- Suspected infection
Two or more systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria
- White blood cell count less than 4,000 per mm3, greater than 12,000 per mm3, or differential with greater than 10% immature forms
- Heart rate greater than 90 beats per minute
- Respiratory rate greater than 20 breaths per minute or paCO2 less than 32 mmHg
- Temperature less than 36°C or greater than 38°C
Evidence of refractory hypoperfusion attributed to sepsis (one or more of the following):
- Systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg despite an intravenous fluid challenge of at least 30ml/kg (a portion of this may be albumin equivalent)
- Blood lactate level at least 4 mmol/L.
- Intention to place an arterial catheter.
- Intention to place a central venous catheter.
Exclusion criteria:
- Known pregnancy
- Requirement for immediate surgery
- Hypotension attributed to alternative cause
- Treating physician deems the patient is moribund
- Treating physician deems aggressive care is unsuitable
- Contraindication to central venous catheterization or arterial catheterization
- Advanced directives restricting implementation of the protocol
- Significant pathology of the chest or abdominal wall that would make transthoracic echocardiography impossible (burns, chest trauma, etc.)
- Children under the age of 18 will not be included in this study
Sites / Locations
- Intermountain Medical Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Experimental
Early Goal Directed Therapy (EGDT)
Echo Guided Fluid Resuscitation
EGDT is currently standard of care in management of septic shock, so assignment to this treatment arm will confer no additional risk above that of standard of care. EGDT utilizes placement of a central venous catheter, an arterial catheter, and administration of intravenous fluid and vasoactive medications. EGDT uses central venous catheter to assess central venous pressure and ScVO2.
The echo arm also utilizes placement of a central venous catheter, an arterial catheter, and administration of intravenous fluid and vasoactive medications, all of which are interventions found in standard care. The central venous pressure will not be monitored in this arm. Instead, decisions for giving fluids will be directed by the results of Echocardiography. Echocardiography poses no known risk to the patient, and it is non-invasive. The only risk of echocardiography is that of misdiagnosis.